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Battie Mixon Fishing Hole

Oldtown was once a bustling C&O Canal supply center. The area from locks 68 through 71 has been restored and re-watered and a wooden covered canal bridge was located at lock 70. It was the scene of several Civil War engagements. At lock 71, a low concrete dam in the canal creates a four-mile fishing area near Oldtown. Constructed in 1945 by a volunteer group of western Maryland sportsmen, Battie Mixon’s Fishing Hole (canal mile 168) is named after the Allegany County Game Warden who conceived of the idea. The fishing pond is well stocked with one pool reserved for children, and it also has an annual fishing rodeo. The site is designated as a “put-and-take” trout fishing pond by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. In addition, no power boats are allowed on the pond. Picnic areas are nearby. Wildlife abounds in this near-wilderness stretch of the Potomac. Blackbirds, goldfinch, red-tailed hawk, great blue and green heron, belted kingfisher, turkey vulture, muskrat, and chipmunks are all prevalent.